Cures for first-day jitters

Jul. 21, 2012

Welcome to the first milestone in the upcoming school year. Prepare your child for this big adventure with tips from school counselors and teachers.

Review the route

Both adults and kids alike have trouble with change - and starting school is a huge change. You can help your child overcome any fears of the unknown by rehearsing for opening day. Suggestions include driving by the school during the summer and taking time to review the route from your home.

Visit teacher and classroom

Don't hesitate to call the school and ask if you may bring your child in before school starts. This will give you both a chance to meet the teacher and see the classroom. Point out the cubbies, closet space, the nearest bathroom, and the offices of the school nurse and school secretary.

Supply the supplies

As parents, we want to buy everything that's on sale ahead of time. It usually pays to wait until you have your school's supply list and after teachers have told students what they will need.

Make clothes kid-friendly

Young children learn to tie their shoes, operate zippers, and undress quickly enough to prevent accidents during this period of their development.

Adjust your clock

It will be easier for your kids to ease into a new school year bedtime, wake-up time, and breakfast time if they start to adjust their schedule before summer comes to a close.

Set the scene

Practicing expected routines and behaviors until they become a habit is a lot of what kindergarten and preschool is about.

You can help your child be organized at home by creating routines. If she puts her backpack in the same place everyday afterschool, it's easier to find it the next morning. If your kindergartner has homework, and she always does it at the same time and in the same spot, it will become a part of how she does things throughout their school career.

Have a rehearsal lunch with child

Just as a critical eye is recommended when selecting clothes, be picky about the snack and lunch foods you choose for your child.

Pack a lunch in a lunchbox or bag and sit down at the table with your child. Practice opening things together! Rest assured that teachers and lunch aides will be there to help your child. Remind her to ask for help if she needs it.

Sign up for a library card for your child

Go to the local library before school starts and get your kids their own library cards. All teachers, including early childhood educators, encourage parents to do what they can to foster early literacy and a love of reading.

Check in with yourself

How are you feeling: Enthusiastic? Apprehensive? No matter how much we might wish it weren't so, our children pick up a great deal from what we say, and from what we do.

If you're excited and positive at his beginning school, your enthusiasm will most likely become part of your child's experience.

By the same token, your worries and feelings of anxiety will be transferred to him, too. If you express concern about this separation from your child or about the teacher, take care that your child doesn't overhear.

Celebrate the new school year

This is a great time to begin new rituals and traditions at home.

Try these ideas to start the year off with a bang - the night before school starts, turn dinner into a party by setting the table with special dishes, throw a "Beginning of the Year" party with hats, blowers, and a cake, take a picture of your kids and mark their height inside a closet door or have your first family meeting.